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Former FCC Commissioner Jessica Rosenworcel is still expected to be nominated by President Trump to return to her old job, while FCC General Counsel Brendan Carr is expected to be nominated to fill the open Republican seat, according to a number of sources. Meanwhile, there is speculation that Commissioner Mignon L. Clyburn will step down when her term expires on June 30, even though she could remain in her job until Congress finishes its work at the end of next year’s congressional session, unless a successor is confirmed by the Senate earlier than that. If she stepped down before another Commissioner was confirmed, it would leave the agency without a quorum.

Ms. Clyburn has sidestepped questions recently about her plans. Asked last month whether she is “done” with an “official governmental capacity,” Commissioner Clyburn pointed out that she doesn’t control whether she is renominated or reconfirmed (TR Daily, May 16). Her office declined to comment today.

Ms. Rosenworcel’s tenure at the FCC ended in January after nearly 4 ½ years because the Senate did not vote on her nomination for a second term before it completed its business in the 114th Congress (TR Daily, Jan. 3).

Mr. Carr took over as general counsel when Mr. Pai became Chairman in January. Before that, he was a legal adviser to Mr. Pai. Sources said that Republicans plan to act on Mr. Pai’s recommendation of Mr. Carr for the seat because they are pleased with his tenure as Chairman.

A source said today said there is speculation that Ms. Rosenworcel will be nominated to Ms. Clyburn’s seat and that she will be paired with Mr. Carr during the confirmation process. When Mr. Pai’s renomination is considered by the Senate, he will be paired with a second Democrat, the source said. —Paul Kirby, paul.kirby@wolterskluwer.com